Sober Sails offers recovery-based retreats and private charters across Lake Superior, the Florida Keys, and the Caribbean. Designed for men committed to long-term sobriety, and as part of your continuum-of-care after residential treatment, our retreats replace old patterns with new purpose through the healing power of the sea.
Sober Sails offers a unique opportunity for sober men to embark on a transformative journey towards recovery during an extended open water charter cruise. Participants are invited to join a therapeutic sailing charter where they can work on their recovery goals while bonding with like-minded individuals in a supportive environment. Sober Sails aims to provide a holistic approach to healing and personal growth through sailing, navigating, and mindfulness. Join us for an unforgettable experience where the healing power of the sea meets the strength of sober camaraderie.
What We Offer
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Sober Sails is a 5-day intensive immersion for men committed to long-term sobriety. Unlike a standard charter, this is a clinical-grade "Active Recovery" experience led personally by Matt Ellis, LADC, author of Navigating Recovery.
What to Expect:
The Curriculum: Daily workshops on board using the Navigating Recovery framework to build new tools for life on land.
Active Presence: We use the physical demands of sailing and the serenity of the open water to practice mindfulness and rewire healthy dopamine pathways.
A Supportive Fleet: You sail with a small, 6-person crew of men who share your commitment, creating a unique environment of peer accountability and brotherhood.
We operate year-round with seasonal routes through the Apostle Islands, the Florida Keys, and the Caribbean.
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Experience a truly personalized escape designed for men, women, or couples. Whether you are seeking a solo journey of reflection or a high-end getaway, We offer charters tailored to your specific intentions along any coasts of the U.S., the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
As your dedicated Captain and Chef, Captain Matt provides a seamless, all-inclusive environment where your only responsibility is to unwind. We set the agenda together—you can provide a fixed itinerary or let Sober Sails curate a specialty package based on the hidden gems you wish to explore.
You choose your level of engagement:
Hands-On Learning: Take the helm and assist with the sailing under expert guidance and relax whenever you want.
Pure Relaxation: Kick back while we handle every aspect of navigation, vessel maintenance, and gourmet meal preparation.
Tailored Presence: We can act as your active local guide or remain "invisible" in the background to ensure total privacy.
Your safety is our priority. While we collaborate on your itinerary, the captain will oversee all navigational and mooring decisions based on weather and local conditions. This professional care ensures you can relax completely, knowing your voyage is in expert hands.
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The core of our program is the Navigating Recovery Logbook curriculum—a specialized framework designed by Matt Ellis, LADC, to bridge the gap between intensive treatment and a purposeful life back on shore.
What’s Included:
The Navigating Recovery Logbook: Every guest receives a physical, marine-grade workbook. This isn't just a journal; it's a tactical guide for identifying triggers, mapping out new "sober headings," and documenting your breakthroughs in real-time.
Daily Guided Workshops: We spend 3+ hours each day, working through the curriculum's core pillars: Intention, Awareness, Guidance, Presence, Endurance, Vision, and Integration.
The After-Action Plan: On the final day, we use the curriculum to build your custom "re-entry" strategy, ensuring the clarity you find at sea stays with you when you return to your daily life.
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Sober Sails UPF-50 Hooded Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
Sober Sails Organic Cotton T-shirt
Navigating Recovery Logbook
Sober Sails Quick Dry Towel
Throw Us a Line
Feel free to reach out and let us know how we can support you in your journey to recovery. We may have a sailing scholarship waiting for you.